This Knight of the Crown is driven by a painful past and a patient fury… and his entire life is a lie.
Sir Carlton Morley is famously possessed of extraordinary will, singular focus, and a merciless sense of justice. As a man, he secured his fortune and his preeminence as Scotland Yard’s ruthless Chief Inspector. As a decorated soldier, he was legend for his unflinching trigger finger, his … trigger finger, his precision in battle, and his imperturbable strength. But as a boy, he was someone else. A twin, a thief, and a murderer, until tragedy reshaped him.
Now he stalks the night, in search of redemption and retribution, vowing to never give into temptation, as it’s just another form of weakness.
Until temptation lands—quite literally—in his lap, taking the form of Prudence Goode.
Prim and proper Pru is expected to live a life of drudgery, but before she succumbs to her fate, she craves just one night of desire. On the night she searches for it, she stumbles upon a man made of shadows, muscle and wrath… And decides he is the one.
When their firestorm of passion burns out of control, Morley discovers, too late, that he was right. The tempting woman has become his weakness.
A weakness his enemies can use against him.
“I loved everything about this book!” — Curlyhairlass
“5-Star read for me!” — M.nguyen
“This book had me hooked from page one and every page after just had me falling more and more in love with my already favorite character of the series.” — Allison Smith
“If you’re a Victorian Rebels fan, you’ll be thrilled with Morley’s spellbinding story of passion, betrayal, intrigue, and adventure. And if you’re new to this author or series, you are in for the ride of your life.” — Love at 1st read
“This is a book you need to own and savor and spend time with again and again.” — BDay
“A Dark and Stormy Knight is PERFECTION in its masterful writing!!! — GI’s Spot Reviews
Please Note: This book was originally published as A Dark and Stormy Knight
Read the Goode Girls in Order
- Book 1: Seducing a Stranger
- Book 2: Courting Trouble
- Book 3: Dancing With Danger
- Book 4: Tempting Fate
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Finally Carlton Morley from the Victorian Rebels series has his own story, and I loved it! Each story can stand alone, but the series is sooooo good, you’ll want to read them all. Dark, sexy historical romance with incredibly interesting characters.
This book’s premise is uniqu: Prudence Goode has learned that her fiancé, George, has several bastard children, has multiple mistresses, and is a poor lover. Since breaking her engagement isn’t possible, she decides to have at least one night of passion and to lose her virginity before she weds. She asks her lady friends and finds out about the Stags of St. James, male prostitutes available for hire. The book is cleverly plotted, and the author does a great job of showing the complexity of Chief Inspector Morley, a man who has lived with multiple identities in the past. At the same time the book is romantic with endearing characters.
Definitely a wonderful historical romance! Pru and Morely might have had an instant and shocking attraction when they meet, but their HEA is very hard won. I definitely can recommend Seducing a Stranger!
4.5 stars
Since his appearance back in the first book The Highwayman, I have wanted to see Sir Carlton Morley get his HEA – we have had glimpses of the man and with each new book, it became clear that there was way more to Carlton Morley than meets the eye and in the last book The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo – big revelations about Morley came out. So, FINALLY we get Carlton’s story!! Long overdue and yet worth the wait!!
Chief Inspector Sir Carlton “Cutter” Morley is a complex man with humble roots, born to London’s streets, he had plans to change his life and that of his best friend Dorian Blackwell and his twin sister Caroline. But tragedy changes everything, Cutter is laid to rest and Carlton is born. Seemingly dedicated to upholding the law, Carlton leads a double life – upstanding officer of the law by day, vigilante by night. His nighttime activities have been noticed and papers call him the Knight of Shadows. It is in that guise that Carlton follows a lead about a cold case and finds himself in a garden surrounded by men and women taking their pleasure. He is contemplating his options when he is mistaken for a “Stag of St. James” by a very lovely woman. This encounter leads to a night of passion with a complete stranger that Carlton has never allowed himself and will be a night that changes him forever!
Prudence “Pru” Goode is to be married and has just learned that her fiancé George, the Earl of Sutherland doesn’t love her and needs her dowry to shore up his finances and provide for his bastard children! Determined to find pleasure for herself, she seeks out the Stags of St. James, men who for a price will give a woman pleasure for a night. And pleasure is exactly what she finds with her masked lover. She shares a night she will never forget with Carlton and they part, never expecting their paths to cross again. But three months later, they do cross when Carlton is attending the wedding of his superior’s daughter. Moments before the ceremony is to begin, Carlton is called to the back of the church – the groom has been murdered and he walks in to see his garden lover, dressed in a wedding gown, covered in blood and clutching a knife, while standing over a dead man!
When Carlton learns that Pru is pregnant with his child, he immediately takes charge – he marries her and will do whatever is necessary to save her. Pru is intrigued by her new husband, but wonders what happened to the lover she knew. These two will have much to overcome before they find their HEA, but when they do – WOW, just WOW!
I have loved every book in this series, some more than others and The Highwayman is still my favorite, but Carlton’s story is every bit as good as the other books and I loved it. Carlton is a good man, his past shaped him, but amazingly, didn’t break him, he has a deep sense of right and wrong and will give his life to protect the ones he loves. Pru is also a wonderful person, loving, giving and gracious to all and the chemistry between her and Carlton is incendiary. The book is well-written, perfectly paced, has wonderful characters, cameos with Ash, Farah, Dorian and Argent, steamy love scenes, betrayal, murder, secrets, locked doors, a villain that gets his due and an HEA with a sweet epilogue. While I did love this book, I do wish that we learned what happened to Honoria and I really, really wish the author would take the time to learn proper use of titles and formal address of nobility. Other than those minor things, I loved this book and I would happily recommend it! It is the seventh book in the series and could be read as a standalone – but I would strongly recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
A great page turner. Prudence finds that what she imagined her life was going to be is all a lie. Carlton has reinvented himself, but is still haunted by his past. The worlds of these two accidentally collide one night and it leads to ramifications that join them together permanently. It sets them on a path of murder and marriage. Along the way they discover love as well as all the secrets being kept by those close to them. The author does an awesome job with the characters we are re introduced to and the new ones. We are reminded of their wit and strength of characters that made us love them before. This continues to be a great series.
Sir Carlton “Cutter” Morley is the Chief Inspector for Scotland Yard. At night, he is the vigilante Knight of Shadows. An investigation leads Morley to a brothel and into the arms of a virginal, society miss. He cannot forget about the woman, and their path crosses again at a crime scene. Prudence Goode surprises Morley with her situation. Can Morley prove Prudence’s innocence? Or will his past stand in the way of their happiness?
Prudence Goode is the second daughter of the Baron of Cresthaven. She is devastated by her betrothed’s infidelity. Prudence secretly visits an exclusive brothel and mistakes Morley for a prostitute. A murder cancels her wedding. And the inspector investigating the case is her mysterious lover. Can Prudence help Morley prove her innocence? What other hurtles must she overcome?
I am delighted that Morley finally received his happily-ever-after. He definitely deserved one. I admit I did not care much for Morley at the start of the series. However, he steadily grew on me with each new book. I admire Morley’s fortitude to forge a new identity and way-of-life. It took the death of someone important to give him the impetuous to escape the drudgery of poverty. What I adore the most about Morley is how active he is in Prudence’s pregnancy. He wanted to be involved in each important milestone.
Prudence is the perfect fit for Morley. Her whimsical personality and natural innocence are great contrasts to his jadedness and dark nature. I adore how Prudence never once behaved as if she is better than anyone. From nobility to the working-class, she treats everyone the same. What I like the most about Prudence is how she helps Morley take better care of himself. He always joined her at meals because of her cravings by whisking Prudence off to various restaurants to satisfy her.
A DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT is book seven in Kerrigan Byrne’s popular historical romance series, VICTORIAN REBELS. The story can be read alone. However, it is imperative to read the prior books to better understand Morley’s tenuous relationship with certain characters. I love that The Rook, Blackwell, and Argent play important roles throughout the story. I miss those three along with their ladies.
A DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT is a beautiful yet touching tale of opposites attract. I truly did not want this book to end. I hope the author considers writing a story for Honoria and Titus. I eagerly await the next installment.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
An enchanting story of romance with a mystery intertwined.
This book had me hooked from page one and every page after just had me falling more and more in love with my already favorite character of the series.
Wow! What a book! The characters jump up off the page and grab you, pulling you into their world. And what a world it is. Byrne is a masterful story teller. The settings played out before my eyes in wonderful detail. The characters, full of depth and complexity, are hard to turn away from. I just wanted to keep reading and reading to find out what happens next. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last!
I loved this story! Kerrigan Byrne is a favorite romance author. Moody and broody heroes are my favorite. Chief Inspector Morley wants justice! Will his new wife challenge this? He is trying to protect her while he determines her innocence! She was found holding the murder weapon, on her wedding day, over her dead fiancé. They turn into such loving devoted husbands! This also had a terrific narrator!
I liked the story of the main characters. I did not like the bad language throughout.
Wonderful characters, so well written. I loved it!
Sir Carlton Morley is Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector, the epitome of respectability. However, he has a secret nighttime persona, the Shadow of Night who seeks a different kind of justice from conventional law enforcement. On one particular night, while following a potential suspect, he finds himself on the grounds of an unconventional brothel where women contract with men for services. He stumbles upon Prudence Goode, the daughter of a baron who has decided to seek one night of pleasure before her marriage to a man she recently discovered has no plans to remain faithful. What was intended as an accidental, one night encounter ends up having much longer term consequences.
I’ve looked forward to this story since learning Morley was much more than a Scotland Yard agent. His origins are tragic and my hope was that he’d find an interesting partner who would appreciate the man. Pru Goode was delightful and resourceful, who wasn’t intimidated by him but admired his qualities. The circumstances that reunited them was unexpected and led to an even more interesting angle of the story. However, so much of the related investigation was behind the scenes and I missed being part of that discovery.
Some of the best moments, however, are between Morley and the other Victorian Rebels. The dialogue is often sardonic and witty, providing much needed comic relief. The romantic aspects are over the top steamy but completely in character with Pru and Morley. I continue to relish the audiobook version as Derek Perkins just owns these stories and characters. He’s pitch perfect in all areas. While the ending felt a little rushed, I still enjoyed the story as a whole and am satisfied with Carlton finally getting his moment at happiness.
It was so good.. I loved the characters, the mystery to it, the storyline, the details were great, and the steam was sublime! Lol this was my first book from this author and I look forward to trying out more from her.. I have to say it was amazing from beginning to end..
This is the first full length novel I have read by Kerrigan Bryne. It will not be the last. What a thrilling adventure! I absolutely need more.
I could definitely tell that there are stories I need to go back and read. The characters are so very rich and interesting there is absolutely no way that I cannot go back and read the tales of their beginnings.
What I loved most about Seducing a Stranger is the duality of, Carlton Morley. He is a complex and fascinating hero who stole my heart. He is a man of deep passion who has faced a life that would break most men. I love his need for justice and his need to protect those in need.
I simply adored Prudence Goode. Her spirit and courage are indomitable. Her intelligence is attractive and devastating. She made me smile with her quick wit and wicked sense of humor.
Kerrigan Bryne includes all that is ggod and right about Victorian Romance in this book. She deftly navigates the social ladder and the emotions felt by those navigating the downslides and climbs between its rungs in very innovative ways. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the Goode Girls Series!
If Robert Ludlum had written romance it would have looked like this. I love the mystery, suspense, and raw emotion of the characters. The Goode sisters are not so “good” as their name implies. The law enforcement really enforces. This is definitely not your typical romance novel but once you try it you are hooked. Now you have to read the entire series.
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, an intriguing mystery and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading Honoria’s story with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrator’s voice was captivating!
KB does not let you down with Dark and Stormy night, a wonderful addition to the Victorian Rebels series.
The author is one of my favorite because she takes her writing seriously as well as her readers and writes compelling narratives with memorable characters with no loose ends. I have read each one of the Victorian Rebels series and still cannot pick a favorite because the stories are well written each with an indelible stamp. I am in awe of such fiction.
This is the story of orphan Cutter Morley who grew up with the other grossly poor rebels including Dorian, Rook, Christopher, as they claw their way out of childhood poverty, Newgate and finally to current lives where the narrative begins after a prologue. Sir Carlton (Cutter) Morley is now the Chief Inspector who is single and fights crime legally during the daytime and by night is the stalks takes the renders justice to those who cannot fight for themselves in flawed legal system.
In comes Prudence Goode, soon to married to An Earl with loose morals, many mistresses and bastards. Here is where the Authors brilliant story telling takes off. It’s not a simple he meets she but the secondary characters intervene creating an intriguing narrative which leads to a plot of murder, who did it, the heroine is seen with the murder weapon. Why do they marry in haste and lead separate lives, what role does Pru’ s sited the married And beautiful Viscountess Honoria and her husband Viscount William (best friend of the now dead Earl) have to do with Pru’s unfortunate situation.
The mystery and romance is intertwined and the rest of the rebels join to help solve the puzzle. The romance is not straightforward either. The book does not dither or meander. It’s crisp, just enough romance for the character such as Cutter, and just right presence of previous characters.
A definite must read for Ms Kerrigan Byrne fans and new readers if historical genre is of interest.
I did review this as an ARC from netgalley. And my motto is, I write reviews if I enjoy reading a book. If the book is off putting, I do not review.
Wow! Right from the start Seducing a Stramger takes off in this rollercoaster ride full of twist and turns that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very end. With a twisted and dangerous villain who spins a web of mystery, mayhem and deciet until slowly all the pieces start falling together that solve who the real villains are. Kerrigan Byrne has outdone herself with this novel, she has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with superb cast of characters a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly! Her characters come to life as you find yourself drawn into their story, the scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story. Sir Carlton Morley has an inner beast that lurks just below the surface within him, he stalks in the shadows of the night seeking retribution and justice. As Morley hides in the night searching for the truth of the death of three men Pru falls right into Morley. A night of sizzling passion swirls down into a vortex of murder, intriguing mystery and mayham! It’s a heart-rending and heart stopping story filled with drama, uncertainties, secrets, danger, trials and tribulations, turmoil and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate all the twist and turns abound that will keep you guessing makes this one outstanding story!
I read this book ages ago. I’ve read a lot of different books and different authors since. I’ve never been able to forget this one. It had in-depth three dimensional characters, a storyline with humor and tragedy both. It was well-written and an altogether superb romance